I get asked if I offer mini sessions a lot. They’re a favorite among my clients with young children who have mini attention spans. The answer is YES! I do! I offer mini sessions year-round at the Riparian Preserve.
AUGUST 2023 UPDATE: I moved in 2022 to South San Tan Valley and as such am no longer offering mini sessions at the Riparian Preserve. Please see this post about my new location for year-round mini-sessions.
What is a mini session?
A mini session is exactly what it sounds like, a session but mini. It’s up to 30 minutes instead of 60, 20 retouched images instead of 50, and $300 instead of $500.
WHY the Riparian Preserve?
For starters, it’s one of my favorite photo locations. But I can do mini sessions at the Riparian Preserve year-round because I live nearby which makes it cost effective for me. ***PLEASE SEE UPDATE ABOVE****
Do you do mini sessions anywhere else?
Maybe. I do mini sessions in other locations where and when I’ve already got full sessions booked. Meaning if I have a full session booked at the Salt River on April 4th, you can book a mini session at the Salt River on April 4th right before my full session.
This is another way I can keep it cost effective for me. So if you’re interested in a different location just ask if I have any full sessions coming up.
What else do i need to know about mini sessions?
I recommend no more than 6 people for a mini session. Any more than that you definitely need a full session.
Also, please keep in mind that less time means slightly more focus on classic portraits and less time to play around for those candid shots. We will still have a little bit of time, but you’ll definitely see less variety in your final gallery. But it’s a mini session, which is to be expected.
August 2023 UPDATE: DO I STILL RECOMMEND MINI SESSIONS?
Short answer, No. As I dive more and more into family photography I crave the intimate authentic moments and there usually just isn’t time to cultivate those in a mini session. And if you’re worried about your little ones not being able to handle a full session, Don’t! Not the way I do it! We don’t sit and smile at the camera for more than 2 minutes at a time. In between we’re running, playing, throwing rocks, having tickle fights, and whatever other fun things they can think of. A full session gives everyone the time to relax and get into it, stop stressing, and be present in the moment. If you have the option, I definitely recommend booking a full session for the full Maren Elizabeth Experience.
I’d love to work with you! Please contact me to book your family pictures! To view more of my work and stay up to date, follow me on Instagram.
